WHAT HAPPENED ON 9th September 2003?

8th September 2003

"I am 31 but I feel 70"Alex Best

estranged wife of football legend George Best. "As you get older you realise that all these things ` prizes reviews advances readers ` it's all showbiz and the real action starts with your obituary"Writer Martin Amis. "Every five years or so more regular than the town hall clock the government of the day has a row with the BBC"Former Fleet Street editor Max Hastings.

9th September 2003

BROWN'S TOUGH MESSAGE FOR UNIONS AT TUC

The Government will not give in to any unaffordable demands that would risk the UK's economic stability Gordon Brown told the TUC's annual conference. Mr Brown told delegates in Brighton he would not yield to "inflationary pressures" "short term fixes or soft options" that would squander stability. His "tough long-term approach" had helped the UK avoid the recessions affecting other countries he said. The UK had continued to grow in every quarter since 1997 he said.

9th September 2003

HEWITT URGES BETTER LABOUR-UNION LINKS

Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt has admitted that the Government needs to improve its relations with the trade union movement. In a speech to the Trades Union Congress she acknowledged many workers were disappointed by Labour in office. But she told delegates in Brighton that such views ignored the "major reforms" introduced since 1997 to help workers. Earlier speeches from delegates claimed Labour had deserted its union allies to "cosy up" to big business.

8th September 2003

BANK PREDICTS LOWER ECONOMIC GROWTH

The economy will pick up a "little later" than expected with slightly lower-than-expected growth in 2004 the Bank of England has said. In its quarterly inflation report the Bank of England said inflation was set to slip below the 2.5% projection by the end of this year. Bank Governor Mervyn King blamed a slowing of real disposable income growth for the projection. He predicted slow consumer spending growth "for some time to come".

9th September 2003

BROWN'S TOUGH MESSAGE FOR UNIONS AT TUC

The Government will not give in to any unaffordable demands that would risk the UK's economic stability Gordon Brown told the TUC's annual conference. Mr Brown told delegates in Brighton he would not yield to "inflationary pressures" "short term fixes or soft options" that would squander stability. His "tough long-term approach" had helped the UK avoid the recessions affecting other countries he said. The UK had continued to grow in every quarter since 1997 he said.

9th September 2003

CHEAP HOLIDAYS KEEP LID ON INFLATION

Cheaper foreign holidays kept Britain's underlying rate of inflation steady at 2.9% in August despite a rise in petrol and clothing prices new figures show. It is the 10th month in a row that the rate has been above the Bank of England's government-set 2.5% target. But economists expect price pressures to ease in coming months. Meanwhile the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices a measure which the Bank will start using later this year rose to 1.4% from 1.3%%.

8th September 2003

SHARE PRICES

9th September 2003

BROWN'S TOUGH MESSAGE FOR UNIONS AT TUC

The Government will not give in to any unaffordable demands that would risk the UK's economic stability Gordon Brown told the TUC's annual conference. Mr Brown told delegates in Brighton he would not yield to "inflationary pressures" "short term fixes or soft options" that would squander stability. His "tough long-term approach" had helped the UK avoid the recessions affecting other countries he said. The UK had continued to grow in every quarter since 1997 he said.

9th September 2003

LABOUR WILL END PENSION POVERTY ` BROWN

Gordon Brown has told the TUC that a statutory pension protection fund would ensure workers receive their pensions if company schemes go bust. The chancellor told delegates 90% of workers' money invested in company pension schemes would be secure. Gordon Brown also hailed the success of the mininum wage saying 1m UK jobs had been created since its introduction. Its level will increase to £4.50 next month £4.85 next year & then beyond #5.00 he said.

8th September 2003

"All but a dead duck"Liberal Democrat

leader Charles Kennedy on the prospects of a referendum on the euro. "The cloth-cap colonels have regrouped and once again they are in No 10 making their demands with the threat of industrial mayhem unless they are granted"Tory peer Lord Tebbit on trade union leaders. "He flies at 500 miles an hour 200ft above the ground whereas I wear make- up for a living"Actor Ewan McGregor on his brother who is an RAF fighter pilot.

9th September 2003

BROWN'S TOUGH MESSAGE FOR UNIONS AT TUC

The Government will not give in to any unaffordable demands that would risk the UK's economic stability Gordon Brown told the TUC's annual conference. Mr Brown told delegates in Brighton he would not yield to "inflationary pressures" "short term fixes or soft options" that would squander stability. His "tough long-term approach" had helped the UK avoid the recessions affecting other countries he said. The UK had continued to grow in every quarter since 1997 he said.

9th September 2003

CBI CHIEF SLATES UNION "OBSTRUCTION"

The director general of the CBI has accused some trade unions of "outright obstruction" in resisting change. Digby Jones the leader of the biggest employers' group told the TUC conference that a return to industrial militancy would damage the economy. "The CBI does not stand behind employers who flout the law & treat their employees badly " he said. But the UK must have "forward-looking employees who recognise the challenges of the modern world" he added.